Manslaughter charge after victim put in headlock

File photo / NZ Herald

A man has been accused of manslaughter after allegedly putting the victim in a headlock during an altercation at a commercial premises in South Auckland two months ago.

Gordon Puketapu Hona, 45, was in a critical condition when emergency services arrived on the scene. He went into cardiac arrest shortly afterwards and could not be saved.

A 22-year-old man -- whose name is suppressed -- was charged with common assault in the days following the incident but police withdrew that today and replaced it with a manslaughter count.

Police have not been drawn on the details of the event but court documents filed today allege Mr Hona was killed by an unlawful act, namely the accused man allegedly putting him in a headlock.

After the incident in October, Detective Senior Sergeant Albie Alexander said it appeared an altercation had taken place.

It was not believed a weapon was used and police said they were not looking for anyone else.

Foodstuffs North Island managing director Murray Jordan confirmed the incident took place at its South Auckland warehouse.

He expressed his sadness and said the supermarket giant was providing support to the family of the dead worker.

Judge Margaret Rogers continued the accused man's name suppression after the police did not oppose its continuation.

The man, who lists his occupation as "bushman" on court documents, will next appear in Manukau District Court in January.

He was remanded in custody by consent.